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// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhy did Brett Hulsey go to the sea? Because he heard it was a hull of a good time.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Brett Hulsey
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
In office
January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2015
Preceded byMark Pocan
Succeeded byLisa Subeck
Constituency78th district
In office
January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2013
Preceded bySpencer Black
Succeeded byTerese Berceau
Constituency77th district
Personal details
Born (1959-04-28) April 28, 1959 (age 67)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
Children2
EducationMiddlebury College (BA)
University of Oklahoma (MS)
WebsiteState Assembly website

Brett Dudley Hulsey (born April 28, 1959) is an American politician who was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2011 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he ran in the Democratic primary during the 2014 and 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial elections.

Early life and career

[edit]

Hulsey was born on April 28, 1959, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.[1] He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political economy from Middlebury College in 1982, and a Master of Science in natural science from the University of Oklahoma in 1988.[1]

Hulsey later made his way to Alaska, where he was a AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. Additionally, he served as a political director for the Clinton-Gore presidential campaign in 1992.[1] He is the owner of an energy and environmental consulting firm.

Political career

[edit]

Hulsey served as a Dane County supervisor from 1998 to 2011.[1] In 2010, Hulsey faced a campaign from the Dane County police deputies union to defeat him in his bid for re-election.[2] Hulsey's opponents charged him with causing the county budget to falter.[3] Hulsey defeated challenger Greg Hull by a 37-point margin.

Wisconsin State Assembly (2011–2015)

[edit]

In May 2010, incumbent Democrat Spencer Black announced his retirement.[4] At the time the district was safely Democratic, encompassing parts of downtown Madison as well as the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Following Black's announcement, Hulsey announced his campaign.[5] Following Hulsey, several candidates jumped into the race, with the two frontrunners being Hulsey and fellow Dane County Supervisor Dianne Hesselbein. Additionally, business owner John Imes, attorney Fred Wade, and former Middleton mayor Doug Zwank announced campaigns for the district.[6] During the campaign Hulsey was criticized for past work with Alliant Energy in building a coal plant in Cassville, Wisconsin.[7] Hulsey defeated Hesselbein by a 14-point margin.[8]

During his campaign, Hulsey ran as a progressive Democrat,[9] supporting policies to fund public schools, create Green jobs and protect the environment.[10] Additionally, Hulsey ran into controversy when he improperly listed certain politicains as having endorsed him when they did not.[11] In the general election, Hulsey faced Green party activist Ben Manski, who also ran as a progressive.[12] During the campaign, Manski questioned Hulsey's progressive credentials by making similar criticisms Hulsey's Democratic primary opponents had made regarding his ties to Alliant Energy. Manski's campaign drew several prominent endorsements, including from The Capital Times, Democrats Peg Lautenschlager, and Ed Garvey, as well as several Madison-area teacher's unions.[13][14] Hulsey defeated Manske by a 17-point margin.[15] Republican candidate David Redick ran in third place with only 18 percent of the vote.[16]

In 2011, Hulsey was criticized by fellow Democrats after appearing to speak for the assembly Democratic caucus in issuing an official statement opposing 2011 Wisconsin Act 10.[17]

After a redistricting by the Republican-controlled legislature, the 77th Assembly District boundaries were moved to the east. Since fellow Democrat Mark Pocan was running for Tammy Baldwin's Congressional seat, Hulsey ran in the modified 78th Assembly district. After facing minimal opposition in the primary, Hulsey faced Green party activist Jonathan Dedering, who officially ran as an independent. Unlike the 2010 race, Dedering was not expected to run a close race against Hulsey.[18] During the campaign, in August, Hulsey pled no-contest to disorderly conduct after he flipped a 9-year-old boy off of his inner tube while they both were swimming at Lake Mendota.[19] Dedering questioned Hulsey's judgement over the incident, while also criticizing Hulsey for his conduct during the 2011 Wisconsin protests and for other gaffes.[11][20] Hulsey defeated Dedering by a 51-point margin.[21]

In March 2013, Hulsey was investigated by capitol police after bringing a box-cutter into the capitol and suggesting his aide train in self-defense alongside him.[22] In August, Hulsey faced an investigation that found he had used campaign funds to buy an old Convertible.[23] Additionally, Hulsey had asked capitol police if he could bring a Musket on to the floor of the State Assembly, which he argued was to bring attention to Republican-proposed conceal carry laws.[24] Following his controversies and disagreements with Assembly Democrats, Hulsey suggested he would leave the Democratic caucus and become an Independent in June 2013.[25] Despite his speculation this did not come to pass.

In the assembly, Hulsey was succeeded by Dane County Supervisor Lisa Subeck.[26]

2014 Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign

[edit]

In April 2014, Hulsey announced he would be seeking the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin that year.[27][28] He faced business owner and former state Commerce secretary Mary Burke. Hulsey ran on similar progressive issues that he had run on in 2010 and 2012, including expanding BadgerCare, investing in Green energy, funding public schools, and preserving natural resources. During the course of the campaign, Hulsey was criticized as being a long-shot candidate, and ran into controversy when he planned to attend the 2014 Wisconsin Republican Party convention and distribute Klan hoods to convention-goers.[29] Hulsey justified his plan by calling Governor Scott Walker's agenda racist.[30] Hulsey was defeated by Burke by a 67-point margin.[31]

2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign

[edit]

In September 2025, Hulsey announced his second campaign for governor of Wisconsin.[32] He failed to make the Democratic primary ballot.[33]

Personal life

[edit]

Hulsey had been married to Mary Kay Hulsey for 19 years before divorcing in 2013.[34][35] The couple had two children, Tyler and Lea.

Electoral history

[edit]

Wisconsin Assembly, 77th district (2010)

[edit]
Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
2010 Primary[36] Sep. 14 Brett Hulsey Democratic 2,904 44.17% Dianne H. Hesselbein Dem. 1,992 30.30% 6,575 912
Fred Wade Dem. 1,125 17.11%
John Imes Dem. 347 5.28%
Douglas C. Zwank Dem. 205 3.12%
General[37] Nov. 3 Brett Hulsey Democratic 12,142 48.62% Ben Manski Grn. 7,762 31.08% 24,972 4,652
David Redick Rep. 4,670 18.70%
David K. Olson Ind. 373 1.49%

Wisconsin Assembly, 78th district (2012)

[edit]
Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
2012 Primary[38] Aug. 11 Brett Hulsey Democratic 5,215 91.16% Christopher Victor Fisher Dem. 497 8.69% 5,721 4,718
General[39] Nov. 6 Brett Hulsey Democratic 22,853 75.44% Jonathan Dedering Ind. 7,323 24.17% 30,294 15,530

Wisconsin Governor (2014)

[edit]
Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
2014 Primary[40] Aug. 11 Mary Burke Democratic 259,926 83.28% Brett Hulsey Dem. 51,830 16.61% 312,106 208,096

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 3 4 "Representative Brett Hulsey - 2013 Session Archive". Wisconsin State Legislature. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  2. ↑ Elbow, Steven (February 23, 2010). "Crime and Courts: Hulsey in deputies' sights". The Cap Times. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  3. ↑ Tarr, Joe (April 1, 2010). "Brett Hulsey vs. Dane County deputies". Isthmus. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  4. ↑ Spicuzza, Mary (May 10, 2010). "Spencer Black to retire from state Assembly". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  5. ↑ VanEgeren, Jessica (May 13, 2010). "Capitol Report: Hulsey first Democrat to announce bid for Rep. Black's seat". The Cap Times. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  6. ↑ Tarr, Joe (September 2, 2010). "Dems run a close race for 77th Assembly District seat". Isthmus. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  7. ↑ Tarr, Joe (June 17, 2010). "Brett Hulsey's green sheen questioned". Isthmus. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  8. ↑ Craver, Jack (September 15, 2010). "Hulsey declares victory, Walker holds early lead". Isthmus. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Is Hulsey the conservative? Not necessarily". The Cap Times. September 13, 2010. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Brett Hulsey, Democratic candidate for Assembly". The Cap Times. October 2, 2010. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  11. 1 2 Craver, Jack (October 14, 2012). "Madison Politiscope: Green Party goes after Hulsey, again". The Cap Times. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  12. ↑ Vanegeren, Jessica (September 20, 2010). "Progressive or partisan? Manski hopes voters choose the former". The Cap Times. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Renew progressive tradition: Elect Ben Manski". The Cap Times. October 20, 2010. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  14. ↑ Bahl, Andrew (December 10, 2024). "The Wisconsin Green Party wants to double down in 2026. Will it work?". The Cap Times. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  15. ↑ Tricker, Patric (November 3, 2010). "Brett Hulsey to take over for Spencer Black in WI 77th Assembly District". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  16. ↑ Tarr, Joe (November 3, 2010). "Brett Hulsey defeats Ben Manski for the 77th Assembly seat". Isthmus. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  17. ↑ Lueders, Bill (April 21, 2011). "Why Brett Hulsey won't shut up". Isthmus. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  18. ↑ Porath, Ted (November 6, 2012). "Green Party candidates measure success not in victories, but in awareness". Isthmus. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  19. ↑ Davidoff, Judith (August 29, 2012). "Wisconsin state Rep. Brett Hulsey pleads no contest to disorderly conduct charge". Isthmus. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  20. ↑ Davidoff, Judith (September 27, 2012). "Green Party candidate Jonathan Dedering says Brett Hulsey is vulnerable". Isthmus. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  21. ↑ ""2012 PRESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL ELECTION: G.A.B. Reporting System: County by County Report: Assembly - 78" Wisconsin Governmental Accountability Board; Report Generated - 11/21/2012 1:57:46 PM; p. 78" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 4, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2013.
  22. ↑ Mrley, Patrick; Stein, Jason (March 5, 2013). "State Rep. Brett Hulsey investigated after aide told police she feared for safety". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  23. ↑ Bice, Daniel (August 9, 2013). "Lawmaker: Campaign funds were used for Lake Mills triathlon". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  24. ↑ "In Wisconsin, Democrat Hulsey to challenge Burke in governor's race". Associated Press. April 20, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2026 – via Pioneer Press.
  25. ↑ "Morning briefing: State budget passes Assembly, Brett Hulsey may split from Dems may split, wolf hunt survey". The Cap Times. June 20, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  26. ↑ Tarr, Joe (August 13, 2014). "Lisa Subeck's win means female domination of Madison's seats in the Assembly". Isthmus. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  27. ↑ Johnson, Shawn (April 21, 2014). "State Rep. Brett Hulsey Will Run For Governor". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  28. ↑ Spicuzza, Mary."Rep. Brett Hulsey enters race for governor" Racine Journal Times April 21, 2014
  29. ↑ Baur, Scott (May 1, 2014). "Gubernatorial candidate to hand out Klan hoods". Associated Press. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  30. ↑ Bice, Daniel. "Rep. Brett Hulsey can't sidestep reports of GOP caucus overtures" Milwaukee Journal Sentinel May 4, 2014
  31. ↑ "Mary Burke Wins Democratic Primary For Governor". Wisconsin Public Radio. August 12, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  32. ↑ Beck, Molly (September 24, 2025). "A former Wisconsin Democratic lawmaker known for antics, investigations joins governor's race". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  33. ↑ "TUE AM Update: Bangstad files to run for governor, but isn't slated to speak at Dem convention". Pro State Affairs. June 2, 2026. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  34. ↑ Hulsey, Brett. "Brett Hulsey for Wisconsin: About Brett". brett4us.org. Blogger (service). Archived from the original on March 26, 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Case Details for 2013FA000281 in Dane County". wcca.wicourts.gov/. Wisconsin Circuit Court. February 7, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  36. ↑ Results of Fall Primary Election - 09/14/2010 (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. October 4, 2010. p. 58. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2026 – via Wayback Machine.
  37. ↑ Results of Fall General Election - 11/02/2010 (Report). Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. December 1, 2010. p. 27. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2026 – via Wayback Machine.
  38. ↑ Canvass Results for 2012 Partisan Primary - 8/14/2012 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. August 28, 2012. p. 55. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 28, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  39. ↑ Canvass Results for 2012 Presidential and General Election - 11/6/2012 (Report). Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. December 26, 2012. p. 27. Archived from the original on December 12, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2026 – via Wayback Machine.
  40. ↑ Canvass Results for 2014 Fall Partisan Primary - 8/12/2014 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. August 29, 2014. p. 1. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
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